Truth is stranger than fiction

My writing group had given a word prompt and the word was Fall. Being the month of August, this word triggered a memory of an incident that occurred many years ago in August.  The weight of which, I've been carrying for a while. Thought this was a good opportunity to pen it down, considering the fact that writing is cathartic.  It was the year 2003. The heat of Chennai was as unbearable as ever in the month of August. I had returned from my university after a tiring day. My parents were out and I retreated to the cozy corner of my room. I almost fell into slumber when the shrill sound of the telephone woke me up. I answered the extension in my room in a groggy manner. My 13-year-old cousin’s voice sounded frantic.  “Are your parents’ home?” “No,” I replied curtly.  I was about to end the call by telling her to call back later when something she said startled me.  “Grandpa fell down and he’s not opening his eyes.”  Suddenly the world...

-By Swetha Amit http://content.msn.co.in/MSNContribute/Story.aspx?PageID=303968a1-daad-4a62-bc48-b777f9d209d6 It was like any other Friday evening as I cruised along the streets of Mumbai. The traffic needless to ask seemed chaotic depicting the bumper to bumper scenario. It was my usual visit to the abode of the almighty which was is regular weekly routine. Listening to the FM radio and looking out at the twilight streaked zone, everything seemed as normal as ever. However it was that moment’s lapse of head turn that left me with a sinking feeling as it made me ponder and wonder innumerable times like never before. The appalling sight of a bleeding cat wriggling with immense pain made me freeze in horror in my car seat. Being few yards away in the midst of bustling traffic and crowd, I could see a few faces with solemn expressions staring at the animal battling desperately for its life. It was apparently knocked off by a lorry as it tried to whiz across the lane only to be met with cr...

-By Swetha Amit http://content.msn.co.in/MSNContribute/Story.aspx?PageID=526da094-f648-40b0-8aec-cea1d23d40d9 The previous night had been a rather late one as a result of the screening of a Rahul Bose film which I couldn’t miss. It was around half past two when I dozed off quietly on my leather couch. The tinkering droplets of rain continued to hit the window panes with an unusual ferocity along with the howling gale of wind. I sleepily looked at the clock which showed 5:30 am. Just as I was about to revert to my beauty sleep, I heard an unmistakable mew. A moment’s relapse had me pondering if it was imaginary only to hear it again, this time being a decibel louder. Baffled at the proximity of the sound, I slowly reached for the door. I couldn’t ignore the disbelief and surprise in my mind at the fact of a cat loitering on the tenth floor at an odd hour. The elevator was already doing its morning rounds and the wailing seemed to come in the vicinity. As I looked quizzically at the lif...

-By Swetha Amit http://content.msn.co.in/MSNContribute/Story.aspx?PageID=abb957cf-034f-4fa5-8ec0-df4c4cd70b32 Mothers are those souls whose bond with us begins even before we grace our entry into the outside world. Entwined in the warmth of her delicate womb, marks the beginning of her never-ending nature of nurture. These irreplaceable beings emerge from a protective demeanor and go on to become our friend, guide and philosopher carrying with them an unconditional bundle of love. My mom is no different, yet she stands apart from the rest, emphasizing her inherent special stance. Reminiscence brings back the marvelous memoirs with mom whom I consider my best friend. Being the only child, gave me the privilege of being her sole object of affection and attention. My restless nature and my continuous mischief often exasperated her. Yet, her continued portrayal of tolerance and patience on her sweet face would often make me feel like a little devil being smiled down upon by the goodness of...

-By Swetha Amit http://content.msn.co.in/MSNContribute/Story.aspx?PageID=4749ee16-aed1-4a3d-86f8-d1cf527234a6 Grandparents love marks its specialty by being bountiful. It can indeed make one resort to reminiscence and evoke them to stroll down the memory lane with feelings of nostalgia. I am no exception. Those glorious days with granddad were certainly unforgettable. The wonderful memories of spending my childhood with him make my eyes moist as I think of my late grandfather even today. A quick flashback brings forth the memorable instances which clearly play right in front of eyes now. Being an early riser, his regular morning walks would be accompanied by me holding his hand delicately. Trotting by his side, my little voice would indulge in non stop chatter. The red hibiscus flower would greet us everyday allowing itself to be held in my tiny hands. He used to take me to see the cows being milked each morning. My grandfather who was known for his impatience surprisingly chose to mak...

-By Swetha Amit http://content.msn.co.in/Contribute/Lifestyle/UCStory147.htm A trip to Matheran, a hill station two hours from Mumbai, also gave me life’s finest learning through a ‘gentle’-man of the animal kingdom. Being one of the unique hill stations where a motor vehicle isn’t allowed, you had the choice of going on horseback or trek. Choosing the former option, I stumbled upon a beautiful brown horse named Goldnut, which would take me through the unexplored woods during the rest of my journey. My initial inhibition of the safety and stability with which this sturdy animal would make this trip memorable, vanished into the thin air as soon as I mounted on him. I found my fears unfounded as a feeling of trust engulfed me that minute and this marked a beginning of a strange friendship. As the journey progressed, the curiosity about my newfound friend increased, to find out more about Goldnut’s life. I asked his young 12 year old owner more about this magnificent creature and from t...

After large doses of rocking,rolling and a load of bashing,New Years has finally dawned.2007 seems to look promising already,smiling upon millions and beckoning us to bask in its positivity. High expectations have already set in amongst many,with the hope that '07 is more of a smooth sailing expedition than a bumpy roller coaster ride.Prayers to the supreme power above us is said with a pure intention of protecting us from evils like kidnapping,brutal slaying,terrorism and most importantly the wrath of nature.And also to seek well being in more than one aspect. Whether it is the functioning of the day to day chores,the profit soaring of the corporates,the bull race of the stock market to make sensex reach great heights.Or whether it is marital harmony,career growth,passing examinations and lastly good health which is ultimately the biggest wealth,indeed forms the wishlist of many which is posted to the Almighty. It was one of the best new years for me.The first one after marriage ...

So long farewell...its time to say goodbye.It just feels like it was the beginning of 2006. And now the yearly journey has come to an end.Like other years,'06 too provided a roller coaster ride,just like the pathway of life's travel.Encounters with good and bad experiences have proved to be lessons done as a diploma course. This enables us to possess a greater degree of strength,courage and confidence which are needed to face the tougher examinations that are just around the corner. Looking back from the cold winter days of January through the sunny days of March to the scorching heat of May-June,the monsoons in July- August and back to the chilly month of December,seems like glancing through our childhood photo albums to our present day pictures.A year which seems like just 365 days.Yet, the numerous events and changes equalizes this period,close to a unique era of its own. Walking down the memory lane brings back certain instances, that can be viewed with a happy note and oth...